Wood Restoration and Repolishing - Strip and repolish painted furniture

Wood Restoration and Painted Furniture – 2 day course

This is an introduction to wood restoration course which will cover many aspects of stripping and repolishing painted furniture. It also includes an introduction to painting wooden furniture, and attendees will need to bring to the course a small item of furniture to work on. Ideal pieces are dining chairs with wooden legs, a piano stool, or perhaps a sewing box.

Wood restoration course

Wood restoration portfolio — Wood restoration and repolishing

wood restoration dining chair — Stripped and repolished dining chair

Wood restoration and repolishing

Day 1

We begin with a discussion about the health and safety procedures to be followed when handling the products that we will use on the course. Then, using chemical paint stripper, we will remove the old varnish or paint from your item of furniture. Once the paint stripper is neutralised, fine-grade sandpaper is used to take the wood down, ready to be repolished. The first coat of shellac sanding sealer is then applied, and it is left to dry overnight in the classroom.

Day 2

We start by sanding back the shellac in preparation for the next coat. There will be a discussion and demonstration on painting furniture and finishing off. Before moving onto the final stages, which includes applying beeswax and polishing the wood until we achieve the desired finish.

The course is suitable for beginners and people who want to know how to strip varnish and repolish. It is not suitable for the restoration of antiques, which is a much more delicate process.

The course costs £245 for 2 days, and runs from 10.00am until 5.00pm both days, with an hour for lunch. Included in the price is expert tuition, materials and course notes, but learners will need to bring a small item of furniture with them to work on. Morning and afternoon tea, coffee and biscuits, and a lovely buffet lunch are also included*.

If you are not sure what items of furniture are suitable for the course, please get in touch so I can advise you on the types of pieces that you can bring.

*Please advise if you have any food allergies or food intolerances.

To book, click here to view the calendar and course availability

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Matt

Sally was my tutor for a one year upholstery course in London. A very experienced Upholsterer, Sally is very generous in passing on this knowledge. The classes were always something to look forward to and her ability never to tire of endless questions is a credit to her love of teaching.

Michelle

As an upholstery student of The Goodlife Centre, Sally tutored me for a number of years. Her upholstery knowledge is second to none and she always has a solution for everything. No chair is too big or too small for Sally to repair, upholster or recover and she was always on-hand to advise on any tricky situation I faced throughout my training. It was an absolute pleasure being taught by Sally and the skills she has taught me have placed me in an excellent position for the upholstery challenges, not only that I have undertaken to date but for what lies ahead.

Caz

I have learned upholstery with Sally for a day a week over two years, and I honestly can say it’s been the best day of my week!

Sally is a patient teacher who is very willing to explain things more than once and has a wonderful manner that has put me at ease many times.
I now feel confident in the skills Sally has taught me to upholster a chair at home.

Cassie

‘Dear Sally, thank you for rescuing my old sofa, you did a fabulous job – I love it!’

Bishra

Bishra – Today has been a very sad and emotional day for me as it’s the last day for me at The Goodlife Centre where my teacher Sally taught me upholstery for the past two years. Hence I thought of writing a few words about this amazing lady, Sally. She’s a brilliant teacher with a vast knowledge of the subject and always supports, encourages and goes out of her way to make you believe that you can achieve your goals, and that’s what happened to me.

So thank you to one of the kindest people I’ve ever met – Sally Mollett.

Tom – Blue Velvet Sofa

Hi Sally,

Just wanted to say a big thank you for the work you have done with the sofa – it is transformed into a fantastic piece of furniture and is really comfortable. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your services!

Thank you also for the extra scatter cushions…very much appreciated.

Tom

Tom

Hillcrest 1950’s Office Chair – ‘Thank you for delivering the chair, it goes perfectly in my home office’

Helen

Orange 1950’s Swivel Office Chair – ‘Thank you Sally – I love it! Functional and brings me great joy

Krasi

I have completed a First Year Upholstery course at The Goodlife Centre and I really loved it. The course tutor Sally was great – really friendly, patient and supportive. Her experience and knowledge on the subject is vast and she was very willing to share it. The class was informal and friendly, the motto was “ there is no stupid question”. Sally always went above and beyond to make sure we learned the necessary skills we would need in a down to earth, easy and accessible way. I have learned so much, the course and Sally have given me the confidence and knowledge to take on the occasional private commission now. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills.

Jo

I’ve had sally as my upholstery tutor for the last two years and she has been incredible! Her patience, encouragement and attention to detail has meant that I have learnt so much (more than I thought possible) which has also seen my confidence really grow. Sally has a wealth of knowledge from years of experience which she generously shares with her students which is also invaluable. I would highly recommend Sally to anyone lucky enough to get the chance to be tutored by her.

Cat

4 G-Plan Fresco Dining Chairs – ‘Hi Sally, chairs all delivered and looking great. Thank you for great service and some lovely chairs’

Jane

Sally did an amazing job bringing my grandmother’s beloved sofa back to life. It was totally reupholstered, with new springs and slightly reshaped to bring it more in keeping with some of my other furniture. The quality of Sally’s work and her attention to detail are fantastic. She really understood what I wanted to achieve and now I have a beautiful, one off sofa that will last for many more years and more importantly my Grandma would be very proud that her sofa now takes pride of place in my living room. I would highly recommend Sally to anyone looking for unique, high quality upholstery.

Amanda

I just wanted to say what a privilege it has been to have Sally as my Upholstery Tutor during Year 1 & 2 Upholstery. Sally combines the gifts of being incredibly talented at her craft with being an excellent teacher. Sally has a passion for upholstery which she generously shares with her students with skill, patience and humour. I have learned a dizzying number of upholstery techniques and processes and have always felt supported and encouraged. Sally’s attitude is that “if she can do it you can too” and with her help I usually can.